Divorce FAQs

Were the natural parents of the child or children ever married?

1. If you answer YES: You may download the Petition for Dissolution of marriage. Please ensure that you read the instructions to make sure you fill out the correct packet specific to your situation.
2. If you answer NO: You may download the Petition to Determine Paternity form and when you are ready to file, the filing fee prices and packet costs are listed on our fees page. ALL FEES MUST BE PAID IN CASH, MONEY ORDER, PERSONAL CHECK, ATTORNEY CHECK or CREDIT CARD (AMERICAN EXPRESS, MASTER CARD, VISA or DISCOVER). Make checks payable to: Clerk and Comptroller, St. Lucie County. Please write your telephone number and driver license number on the check. Credit card payments incur an additional fee.

Q. How can I file for custody of my child?

Please visit our Public Records Request page to request a copy. 

Q. How can I obtain a copy of my Final Judgment

Yes. Legal Aid Service in St. Lucie County is available by contacting:

Florida Rural Legal Services
510 South U.S. Highway 1, Suite 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
772-466-4766
www.frls.org

Q. Is there a Legal Aid Service

Download a list of providers from the Florida Department of Children and Families website.

Q. Do you have a list of providers for the Parent Education Class

You need to state whether you agree or disagree with the allegations in the petition that you were served. The Answer forms are available on the Florida Courts website. Your original response must be filed with the Clerk's office. You need to make sure that you keep a copy for your records and you must send a copy to the other party and/or their attorney.

Q. I was served a summons. How do I respond and to whom do I respond

You will be assigned a court date once all of your papers have been completed and filed.

• If you have served the other party via Summons, the Family Relations Department must have the Original Summons and the Return of Service filed. The person that was served the documents has a total of 25 days to respond to the court in writing. This 25-day period begins the day after the party is served and will last until 5:00 p.m. on the 25th day. If that person does not respond within the time frame, you will need to file a Non-Military Affidavit, Motion for Default and a Default with the court, and you will then be able to request a court date by going to the Circuit 19 website and filling out a Form A.

Q. When do I get a court date

The deputy clerk professionals cannot assist you with filling out forms. You may contact an attorney or Florida Rural Legal Service for assistance.

Q. Is there anyone that can help me fill out forms

You cannot get your money back. All of our fees, including the filing fees are non-refundable.

Q. I paid the filing fee to have my case opened and now I have decided that I don't want to go through with it. How can I get my money back

It is always in your best interest to attend a hearing in person. If you CAN NOT attend, you MUST file a motion to appear by phone. That motion will be forwarded to the Judge hearing your case and an order will be issued Granting or Denying your motion.

Q. How long does it take to get my passport after my application has been submitted

If you do not have the money to pay the filing fee(s) for the case, you may complete an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status. The application is available in the Family Relations Department, and there is no fee for the form or to have it reviewed by a Clerk representative. If you are determined to be indigent, the filing fee(s) are waived. 

Q. I do not have the money to file my case. Can the filing fee be waived

$30.00 in person

Q. How much does a divorce packet cost?